Vimy Flight: The Birth of a Nation coming to Windsor's skies

Windsor's skies will be buzzing next weekend with replicas of the magnificent flying machines that helped the Allies win in the air above the bloody European battlefields of the First World War.

Doug Schmidt, Windsor Star

Published on: July 16, 2017 | Last Updated: July 16, 2017 7:00 PM EDT

Pilot Allan Snowie shows off his replica Nieuport 11, a French-designed plane that for a time in 1916 allowed the allies to dominate in the air over the WW1 trenches. He brought his aircraft to London, July 14, 2017.Mike Hensen / The London Free Pres

Windsor’s skies will be buzzing next weekend with replicas of the magnificent flying machines that helped the Allies win in the air above the bloody European battlefields of the First World War.

In the midst of a coast-to-coast tour, Vimy Flight: Birth of a Nation will be hosted by the Canadian Historical Aircraft Association at Windsor Airport on July 22 and 23.

On Sunday in London, aviation keeners and the just-curious packed 427 (London) Wing to watch the open-air biplanes on the ground and in action overhead. The wartime replicas are a big departure from modern day aviation standards.

“I describe it to people, it’s like a three-dimensional motorcycle. You wear goggles, you wear a helmet and it’s three-dimensional because you don’t just turn, you can go up and down,” said Allan Snowie, one of the pilots.

Though he’s flown many airplanes during his career, Snowie said this historic tour is one of the most memorable and “probably the most fun.”

Pilot Allan Snowie showed off one of four replicas that were exhibited at London’s airport. His Nieuport 11 was a French-designed plane that for a time in 1916 allowed the allies to dominate in the air over the trenches. Small planes like his (weighing only about 200 kilograms) were called scouts as they flew above the trenches to get information on enemy lines, the better to aim artillery.

Members of the Vimy Flight Team took part in a fly-past over the Vimy Ridge Memorial in northern France on April 9, the 100th anniversary of the famous battle led by Canadian soldiers that resulted in a key strategic victory for the Allies.

In Windsor, the free drop-in event will include demonstration flights, static displays and meet-and-greets with the pilots between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the CH2A Hangar, 104-2600 Airport Rd.

There’s a dinner with the Vimy Flight pilots — a team of active and retired Canadian military pilots — on the night of July 22. Tickets are $60, available by visiting the CH2A hangar or by calling 519-966-9742.

Part of an effort to commemorate “our Canadian heroes of the past 100 years,” as well as celebrate Canada’s 150 years of nationhood, the Birth of a Nation tour is designed to engage with communities across the country. To find out more, visit the website www.vimyflight.ca.

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